Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
South African instrumental quartet that started out as The Eden Trio in the mid-1960s. The original members were:
1. Henry Meyer - trumpet (band leader)
2. Leon Dreyfuss – drums (sometimes spelled as Dreifuss)
3. David Berger – organ (or Breger according to some sources)
Henry Meyer spent several years traveling throughout Europe, the Middle East, and England, playing trumpet with well-known bands in numerous cities. His musical talents took him to a variety of stages across the globe, showcasing his skill and versatility. When the Six-Day War broke out in Israel, Meyer volunteered for the Israeli Air Force and was accepted into the Air Force band. During this time, he entertained troops on most of the fronts, using his music to lift the spirits of soldiers during a difficult and tumultuous time.
On his return to South Africa he formed The Eden Trio, and later added Ricky Mitchell on bass, resulting in them becoming The Eden 4 (around 1968). They were based in Cape Town and gained popularity performing live at local venues, notably holding a residency at the Bay Beach Hotel’s Juliana Room in Mouille Point during the late 1960s. Their first release was a 7” single titled “Welcome Aboard”, which was recorded live at The Juliana Room and issued on the rather obscure Fotosonor label in 1967. It appears to have been a limited or promotional pressing.
The Eden Four continued as the resident band at the Juliana Room into the early 1970s and released their only album. “A Bite Of Eden”, in 1970 on the Gallotone label (SGALP 1604). Biographical details of the individual members are very scarce as they were primarily known for their roles within the band. The Eden 4 was essentially a professional dance-band unit, and the members did not achieve significant fame as solo artists outside of this group, and it’s not known what happened to them in later years.
This song is from the album “A Bite Of Eden”, released in 1970.
South African instrumental quartet that started out as The Eden Trio in the mid-1960s. The original members were:
1. Henry Meyer - trumpet (band leader)
2. Leon Dreyfuss – drums (sometimes spelled as Dreifuss)
3. David Berger – organ (or Breger according to some sources)
Henry Meyer spent several years traveling throughout Europe, the Middle East, and England, playing trumpet with well-known bands in numerous cities. His musical talents took him to a variety of stages across the globe, showcasing his skill and versatility. When the Six-Day War broke out in Israel, Meyer volunteered for the Israeli Air Force and was accepted into the Air Force band. During this time, he entertained troops on most of the fronts, using his music to lift the spirits of soldiers during a difficult and tumultuous time.
On his return to South Africa he formed The Eden Trio, and later added Ricky Mitchell on bass, resulting in them becoming The Eden 4 (around 1968). They were based in Cape Town and gained popularity performing live at local venues, notably holding a residency at the Bay Beach Hotel’s Juliana Room in Mouille Point during the late 1960s. Their first release was a 7” single titled “Welcome Aboard”, which was recorded live at The Juliana Room and issued on the rather obscure Fotosonor label in 1967. It appears to have been a limited or promotional pressing.
The Eden Four continued as the resident band at the Juliana Room into the early 1970s and released their only album. “A Bite Of Eden”, in 1970 on the Gallotone label (SGALP 1604). Biographical details of the individual members are very scarce as they were primarily known for their roles within the band. The Eden 4 was essentially a professional dance-band unit, and the members did not achieve significant fame as solo artists outside of this group, and it’s not known what happened to them in later years.
This song is from the album “A Bite Of Eden”, released in 1970.
